Courageous Faith – The faith to abide

A life that pleases God has to be a life that is built on faith. Sometimes this faith means going boldly where God leads us, even when the destination is uncertain. Sometimes, courageous faith means going back and persevering in the calling God has given us. Sometimes this faith means asking and praying big prayers, trusting that God really can do the impossible, and sometimes, our faith means just being still in the presence of God. It is easy to think of faith as something that is very active and busy – doing, going… and that is often right, but sometimes what God needs most from us is the faith to simply abide in Him and seek Him.

In John 15 Jesus reminded His disciples that unless they remain in Him like a branch remains connected to a vine, they could do NOTHING. We can accomplish nothing of true significance if we don’t stay connected to Jesus. We are reminded of this truth in the story of Mary and Martha that we read in Luke 10:38-42. Jesus was visiting and there was a lot to be done, so Martha was running around doing things, but Mary took the time to simply engage with Jesus. She had faith that this was her most important work and priority and that everything else would fall into place and get done as was required if she put her relationship with Jesus first, even above the ways in which she could practically serve Him.

When Martha complained about the situation, Jesus said to her:

“’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42

Few things are needed, but we so easily get distracted from that reality and truth. Will you have the faith to abide… to keep your relationship with Jesus as your first priority, even in the midst of all the demands on your time and the things that need to get done?